Why I Will Never Be A Perfect Vegan

I had been vegetarian (and in moments of ‘weakness’, a pescatorian) for nine years and was satisfied with my predominantly plant-based diet. But I started having some serious questions about eggs and dairy.

After evaluating the pros and cons of becoming vegan – spiritually, logically and rationally – against my own set of personal values I decided that veganism made perfect sense due to my love of animals and deep commitment to sustainable living.

So I decided to take the next step and remove all animal-related food from my diet. The decision to go vegan was made at the beginning of the year. I’ve been vegan for almost five whole months.

But a couple of months into my plant-based diet, I knew I would never be a perfect vegan.

Here’s why.

Reason #1 – There’s no such thing as perfection.

The quest for perfection is a foolish one because perfection doesn’t exist. Striving for perfection in an imperfect and often complex world is delusional.

Just as there is no such thing as the perfect human being, or the perfect sustainable lifestyle, or the perfect one-size-fits-all diet, there really is no such thing as the perfect vegan.

I have met many vegans throughout my life and am friends with some hardcore vegans and I can say that not a single one of them (not even the vegan fundamentalists) is perfect.

If your goal as a vegan is to attain perfection, I’m sorry to say but you’ll be extremely disappointed. Best swap that goal for something else.

I don’t like to vegan ‘bash’ whereas some purist vegans will seize any opportunity to ‘correct’ others for their ‘wrong’ food choices.

I am not caught up in the ‘vegan’ label where as purist vegans wear it loudly and proudly.

I believe in compassion, unlike purist vegans who like to judge, debate and dismiss you because you’re not as ‘perfect’ as they are.

Like I said in point #1, there is no such thing as a perfect human much less a perfect vegan.

Plus the end goal shouldn’t be veganism in and of itself. I think that veganism – as with religion – is a tool that should be used to help people become more compassionate and loving. Vegans should show compassion not just towards animals – but towards people and planet too.

If you’re vegan and agree with me, please share this post and let’s bring more human compassion into the vegan community!

I’d like to hear from you if you’re vegan: What are some of the struggles you’ve faced on your vegan journey? Have you ever come across someone who behaved as though they are a ‘perfect vegan’? Please leave a comment below and let’s discuss compassionate living in veganism!

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About author

Jennifer Nini

Jennifer Nini is a writer, activist and the founding editor of Eco Warrior Princess. In 2010, after studying Fashion Business, she launched Eco Warrior Princess to explore her interests in fashion, politics, social justice and sustainability. Jennifer is also the founder of The Social Copywriter, a digital agency harnessing the power of copywriting and content marketing to help mindful businesses reach more people. When she's not perfecting a sentence or coaching business clients, you will find her at her certified organic farm reconnecting with nature.